Russian rape case: Goa Police issues LOC against accused

Panaji: The Goa Police have issued look out circular (LOC) against John Fernandes, the accused in Russian girl rape case in Goa.

"LOC has been issued against the accused and all the immigration points are alerted so that he should not leave the country," Goa Police spokesman Atmaram Deshpande told reporters here today.
John has been missing since December 15 when his anticipatory bail was set aside by Goa Bench of Bombay High Court.

Deshpande said that John had surrendered his passport to the Crime Branch and there is no possibility of him crossing over the border.

"He may cross on fake passport, but still he would be caught if he tries to do so," he said.

The 25-year-old Russian girl had alleged that John spiked her drink on December 1 night and later raped her in his car near Colva beach in South Goa.

Deshpande also said preliminary inquiry is initiated against police inspector Siddhant Shirodkar, who allegedly harassed the girl and asked her to tone down the complaint of rape.
"DSP in Margao is conducting the inquiry into allegations levelled by the victim through Russian consulate," he said.

Russian consulate in Mumbai had officially communicated to state home ministry about the "harassment caused by police inspector Siddhanth Shirodkar who advised the girl to tone down the complaint".

Shirodkar, according to the letter, had also told the girl that she might have her visa cancelled and will lose the job as John is an influential person.

Deshpande said proper departmental inquiry will begin only after DSP submits his report.